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The Christian Graces - Virtue


            When we read about the Christian Graces from the scriptures, virtue is mentioned as the first quality that Christians should add to their faith. Virtue is not a word that is used much in our everyday conversations – so, what does it mean? Merriam-Webster defines virtue as a “conformity to a standard of right.” Brother Guy N. Woods in his commentary on 2 Peter describes virtue as “the manliness and the determination to do that which is right.” In essence, virtue could be described as making the determination to hold oneself to a higher standard of morality. That higher standard of morality is, of course, the Word of God.
            The Bible is full of examples of men and women; some which behaved in a virtuous manner and some which did not. Daniel and his three friends come to mind as those who determined beforehand they were going to behave in a virtuous manner. The Bible states, “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8). Daniel, who was still a young man, planned ahead regarding the situations in which he found himself. Daniel decided before the temptation even arose, that he was going to do that which was right and obey God. Even though he was away from home, he still decided he was going to obey and serve God. Can the same be said of me? Even though I may be away from home and from those that know me, do I purpose in my heart to obey God? Christ commanded us to “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Am I putting God first in my life at all times and not just when others I know are around?
Our ultimate example of virtue is the Savior. In Matthew 4, the temptation of Jesus by the devil is recorded by inspiration for us. All Scripture is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16), and we can learn something from everything recorded in the Word of God. Why would God see it as necessary to record for man the temptation of Jesus? While there are likely many answers to this question, one possible reason was to show that Jesus was a man of virtue. In Matthew 4, we can see the determination of Jesus to resist all temptation that came His way. He was determined to do that which was right in the sight of God. Jesus would later state that He always did those things that pleased the Father (John 8:29). Jesus knew the Word of God and made all the necessary application to His life. He took to heart the words of the Psalmist, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). In order to live a virtuous life, we must spend time getting to know the Word of God and apply it in our lives. If we do not know what the Word of God says, then we will not be able to make the needed application in our lives. 
            Is virtue a characteristic in my life? Am I determining to do that which is right, or am I letting sin and the pressure of the world to conform, be the driving force in my life? Following Christ is a decision every individual must make for themselves – have you decided to follow Jesus and are you determining every day to hold yourself to God’s standard? Remember the words of Jesus, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

Works Cited

"Virtue." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 17 June 2017.
Woods, Guy N. A Commentary on the New Testament Epistles of Peter, John, and Jude. Vol. VII. Nashville: Gospel Advocate Company , 1957.


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